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Facial Scars: Treatments, Procedures, Home Remedies, and More

Written by Resurchify | Updated on: May 26, 2022

Facial Scars: Treatments, Procedures, Home Remedies, and More

Facial scars vary from mild to severe, and accordingly, our desire to have them treated ranges from tolerant to desperate. Scars mark the bodies of even the most protected skin, and most of the time, thankfully, they are effortless to be overlooked. But while we are so quick to neglect minor scars on our bodies, the appearance of even the slightest marring on our faces makes us insecure and bothered.

Fortunately for us, we live in a time and age where when people's scrutiny of others' visuals is harsh, or if our thoughts about our own visual presentations are unpleasant, advanced medical procedures can help us recover what we have lost. 

So let us begin with today's article, where we will guide you through the treatments, medical procedures, and home remedies that can aid our skin in healing smoothly back into their past visuals — or somewhat close to its past glory.

What Are Facial Scars?

A scar appears when a significant wound or tear inflicted upon the skin heals. On the face, this usually happens due to acne, burns, injuries, or surgeries.

How Do Facial Scars Form?

The formation of scars occurs when a wound or tear gets inflicted upon the dermis. The dermis is a layer of skin after the epidermis, with connective tissues, blood vessels, and other crucial glands and functions. The body produces a substance called collagen fibers to heal the broken area of the dermis. Collagen fibers are responsible for healing the skin and connective tissues. The new tissue replacing the broken skin becomes a scar because of its different color, texture, and quality than that of the surrounding healthy skin. 

What Are The Different Types Of Scars?

There are several types of different scars, and they form depending on varying factors:

Normal scars

This type of scar is the most common one and appears ever so slightly raised. Over time, the scars flatten and fade away, leaving only a faint mark of discoloration. 

Keloid Scars

These scars occur when there is an overgrowth of tissue. The tissue keeps on forming despite the recovery of the damaged skin. It eventually leads to the scar becoming a bumped surface. It is red, darker, or lighter than the surrounding skin or the same in color. Sometimes, this type of scar becomes itchy, and if there is a particularly big or tight one around a joint, it can become a mild but discomforting restriction of movement. 

Hypertrophic Scars

These types of scars are like a lesser form of keloid scars. They too occur when there is an overproduction of collagen on the site of injury — however, unlike the way it is with keloid scars, they do not grow out beyond the boundary of the wound but rather keep thickening for a few months. Fortunately, as time goes by, they can improve over the years.

Sunken Scars

This variation of scars appears as pits on the surface of the skin. They happen to form when the skin is unable to repair itself by producing tissue. They are associated more commonly with severe acne and chickenpox.

Skin Contractures

This scarring occurs when the area of injured skin tightens or shrivels up into itself. Skin contractures can lead to deformity, restriction of movement and normal functioning, and pain. 

How Are Facial Scars Treated?

The complete eradication of a scar is not possible. However, treatments and procedures can help eliminate the severity of a scar. 

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is one of the most common methods of treating scars. It is a type of skin planing that removes the outer layer of the skin. The skin grows back much smoother than before. While this method of skin planing is often used to reduce fine lines or wrinkles, it is also performed to remove acne scars and scars from surgeries. 

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are a relatively easy way of getting rid of scars or damaged skin cells. Chemical solutions are topically applied to the area of issue and given some time to act on the skin before the skin gets exfoliated and peeled off. The skin lying underneath is healthier, smoother, and less damaged than the preceding skin. Chemical peels can be used to treat acne scars.

Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing is a technique used to remove fine wrinkles, sun damage, and scars of mild or moderate nature. It removes layers of damaged or irregular skin with precision by running the skin under a pulsating beam of laser light. 

What Are Some Procedures To Remove Facial Scars?

When the treatments listed above fall short of your need to receive a proper removal of an especially insistent scar, only a few more procedures remain unexplored in this field. 

Skin Grafts

Skin grafting is a procedure that involves attaching skin from another part of the body, after removing it, to the area of the skin that needs renewing. This method of scar treatment is more often performed on those who are burn victims.

Scar Excision

Scar excision means the removal of a scar by cutting it out and then sewing the skin back together again. This process of scar removal is usually applied to keloid scars and hypertrophic scars. 

Plastic Surgery

Widely known for being a cosmetic procedure, plastic surgery can also be used to remove facial scars or minimize their appearance and bring back visual appeal that may have been lost behind scars. Plastic surgeons can accurately reposition scars, reduce the bulbous appearance of keloid scars, replace ruined skin with healthier and undamaged skin, and change the structure of scars if they are irremovable. However, this technique is much more invasive than other treatments and procedures, and only a few have the courage or desire to go under the knife. 

Are There Any Home Remedies For Facial Scarring?

Minor scars are easily treated at home with the right amount of care and treatment. Below are just a few things that you can do at home on a budget to minimize the appearance of a scar:

  • Avoid aggravating a scar by scratching it or picking at it. Once a scar has formed, it is usually unlikely for it to take a turn for the worse, but harassing it may complicate the matter. 
  • While the studies are inconclusive, they do imply that coconut oil may help make your wounds heal faster and smoother. 
  • Use diluted apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is known for its great benefits to the skin, and it is also known for helping reduce acne scars. 
  • Studies claim that rosehip oil can aid in the recovery of a wound and have an effect on scar improvement. 
  • Lemon juice. Although it has a lot of drawbacks, such as photosensitivity and irritation, sources claim it can help lighten scars and reduce inflammation. 
  • Lavender oil with a carrier oil (coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, etc.) is said to have healing properties and is capable of reducing the surface areas of wounds. 

Are There Any Preventative Measures Against Facial Scars?

To prevent scars in the first place, we must take proper care of our wounds. 

  • If you get inflicted with a tear on your skin, avoid picking at it or scratching or fingering it. Aggravating wounds, especially with unwashed fingers and unclean fingernails, can cause them to deepen and widen. It can possibly lead to a bigger and more noticeable scar. 
  • Use antiseptic creams or ointments on your wounds. This practice can ensure that your wounds heal properly and without any further complications. However, before applying anything to your skin, be sure that you are not allergic to any compounds found in the ointments. 
  • Keep your healing skin moisturized at all times. When you get a scab, it is natural for you to experience a desperate urge to pick at it. Similarly, flaky dry skin around your wound can also trigger this urge. This is a bad habit in many people, especially young children, and can cause wounds to widen or deepen. In some cases, they can also become infected. 
  • This goes without saying: avoid getting injured, especially on your face. We tend to forget that our faces are constantly exposed and always in danger of getting injured. Try to be cautious around places and in situations, you think or feel might be dangerous. Avoid bringing sharp or pointed objects and tools close to your face such as pencils, pens, forks, etc. 
  • Keep your wounds covered. This can help you avoid scratching your wound, and help reduce the chances of bacteria getting into it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Scars And Similar Issues

What are atrophic scars?

Atrophic scars are scars that are indented on the skin. They are also known as pit scars or sunken scars. 

What are the different types of atrophic scars?

Atrophic scars can be categorized into the following three types:

  1. Boxcar Scars- These types of scars are like "boxy" craters in your skin, with prominent shape and depth. 
  2. Icepick Scars- Icepick scars are narrower than both boxcar and rolling scars. They have a pinpoint appearance and may resemble enlarged pores.
  3. Rolling Scars- Rolling scars are vaguely shaped and without any defined edges like boxcar scars have. 

Why are some scars itchy?

Itchiness can be felt in scars because of regrowing nerve endings. If a wound is deep enough, it can injure nerve endings, and then the sensation of itchiness may occur when they are growing back. 

What are the risks of using the dermabrasion method?

Dermabrasion is a completely safe method of scar removal, and the chances of it failing or creating further complications are very few if not nil — especially if it is done in the hands of well-trained and trustable professionals. However, there are setbacks that you need to be aware of before getting dermabrasion:

  • it can cause redness on the face that might take up a month to fade away
  • there is a possibility that there can be a loss of tissue or tissue damage during the treatment
  • loss of skin color might become an occurrence
  • this treatment of scars can also lead to photosensitivity which may become a hindrance in daily life, especially if you are a working person or a student
  • new scars can develop in specific areas of the face

What can go wrong with chemical peels?

Essentially, nothing much can go wrong with chemicals peels, and the chances of the treatment becoming a complication at the hands of a professional are few. However, a few uncommon disadvantages may occur in some cases:

  • sensitivity to UV rays and other sources of light may follow after the treatment and may become an obstacle in your daily life of occupation or education
  • when first applied, chemical peels can induce a stinging sensation
  • in some chemical peel treatments, the skin can become crusty or form scabs
  • redness may occur after a chemical peel treatment
  • discoloration, darkening, or lightening of the skin may take place
  • infections, however uncommon, may come about on the face after the treatment of chemical peels if proper care is neglected and hygiene is not practiced 
  • phenol, a substance used in deep chemical peels, has been known to cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and heart muscles

What are the different types of chemical peels?

There are three types of chemical peel treatments for facial scar removal:

  1. Light Chemical Peel- In this treatment, a peeling and exfoliating chemical such as salicylic acid is preferred for application on the face. A slight tingling or stinging sensation can be felt, and the skin whitens. The peel is then removed or neutralized by another solution.
  2. Medium Chemical Peel- A medium chemical peel involves the use of substances like trichloroacetic acid and glycolic acid. Once the peel has been applied, you may feel stinging or even burning for nearly twenty minutes. A cold press may be applied to soothe your skin. Unlike how it is with light peels, a neutralizing solution may not be required. With trichloroacetic acid, a blue color may be added, and it can leave your face stained for several days. It is called a blue peel.
  3. Deep Chemical Peel- For a deep chemical peel, you are required to be sedated before a substance named phenol is applied to your face, and your skin turns white or grey. This treatment is done in intervals every fifteen minutes so as to avoid prolonged exposure of the skin to phenol. 

What are the two types of lasers used for laser resurfacing?

There are two types of lasers used for laser resurfacing for scar removal:

  1. Ablative Laser- Ablative laser is used to remove the epidermis layer of the skin (the thin outer layer)to warm up the dermis which lies underneath. This laser technique causes collagen to grow, and the area of treated skin to become smoother and firmer.
  2. Non-Ablative Laser-This treatment is much the same process as an ablative laser but less invasive and requires a shorter time period of recovery. However, the results of this treatment are not as significant as it is in ablative laser treatment. 

Why are chemical peels better than dermabrasion for treating facial scars?

Whether or not chemical peels are better than a dermabrasion treatment depends entirely on the type of scar you have and on the condition of your skin. 

If your scars are bumpy and raised in nature, a dermabrasion treatment is most likely to work better for you than a chemical peel. On the other hand, if your scars are like dents on your face, a chemical peel will resolve the issue finer than dermabrasion because chemical peels are intended to boost collagen production. 

Is laser resurfacing the best option for scar removal?

While laser resurfacing is quite an efficient and reliable technique to get rid of facial scars with minimal complications, the question of its competence depends on the condition of your skin and its needs. 

What are some risks involved in laser resurfacing?

The risks involved in laser resurfacing treatments are few and minor:

  • hyperpigmentation 
  • swelling
  • redness
  • scarring 
  • bacterial infections due to inadequate hygiene or care
  • flare-ups in acne
  • cold sores may develop around the mouth
  • blistering
  • white bumps called milia can occur during the healing process 

Are there any other treatments or methods that medical professionals may use to remove a scar?

Medical professionals may use other techniques to remove a scar, such as:

  1. Steroid Injections
  2. Collagen Injections or 'Fillers"

Can facial scars become infected?

Yes, facial scars can become infected if they are not appropriately taken care of, if their hygiene is lacking, and if they become targets of incessant picking. The symptoms of an infected scar can be undue redness, swelling, pain, and filling of pus. See a doctor if you think your scars are infected. 

Do facial scars require particular care?

Facial scars are in need of proper care to minimize their appearance and to prevent them from becoming infected sites on the face. 

Why do facial scars get inflamed sometimes?

Facial scars can become inflamed while the skin is healing because of specific cells known as fibroblasts. These fibroblasts can cause inflammation if they do not clear up in time.

How safe is plastic surgery for scar removal?

Plastic surgery, just like every other medical procedure, holds some risks of failure and complications. However, these risks are usually highly unlikely to occur, especially if your doctor is well-trained in their field of practice. The level of risks also depends on how well you take care of yourself and how well you know your medical condition. 

What are the cons of plastic surgery for scar removal?

The cons of plastic surgery used to achieve the removal of facial scars are the same as any surgery:

  • adverse reactions to anesthesia
  • possibility of infections occurring on the site of surgery
  • bleeding of the treated area
  • swelling
  • discoloration or redness
  • numbness on the treated area or the whole face
  • pain and discomfort
  • improper healing of the skin after surgery
  • clotting of blood in the veins or "thrombosis"

What is skin needling?

Skin needling, or microneedling, is a treatment that entails the use of sterilized needles to prick the skin to induce collagen and elastin growth. This treatment is mostly used to bring about a more youthful appearance but can be used to deal with scars and acne. 

Who should not attempt to get a dermabrasion procedure done?

People who fall short of the eligibility criteria for dermabrasion are as listed below:

  • people with darker skin color and Asians. This is because a dermabrasion treatment may lead to permanent discoloration.
  • people who do not harbor good health as that can slow down the healing process and lead to uneven regrowth of skin
  • if you suffer from specific skin conditions, a dermabrasion treatment can become a source of aggravation and discomfort
  • you are not eligible for dermabrasion treatment if you are under the age of eighteen

Can a chemical peel treatment be accomplished at home?

Yes, some light chemical peels can be done at home although the results of these home treatments are not as polished as the ones obtained through the work of a professional. These chemical peels are usually targeted for cosmetic uses, such as rejuvenating the skin or brightening it, They are not meant to remove scars.

Facial scars are nothing to be ashamed of and feel inferior over. However, it is understandable when you believe they mar your beauty or make you less visually appealing to yourself or your loved ones. Feeling as though you are not normal because of your scars is also normal. Insecurities due to one's facial appearance are quite common, even amongst the most practical and strong-minded. However, we should never place the importance of life and one's value upon one's visual appeasement. 

This article's purpose is not to promote the value of looks over morality and self-importance. It is also not meant to replace professional diagnosis, advice, and aid. The treatments and remedies mentioned in this article are general information based on average cases and may not apply to every individual. This article is meant only to spread awareness and basic understanding of facial scars and the methods of their treatment. 

References

  • https://www.webmd.com
  • https://www.healthline.com
  • https://www.nhs.uk
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org
  • https://medicircle.in
  • https://www.hausecall.com

         

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Resurchify
Resurchify is an information portal for the people pursuing research. We bring to you a varied list of research gatherings like conferences, journals, meetings, symposiums, etc across multiple areas. Along with that, we also share a huge chunk of details of these events.

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